Cape Town - An alleged robber was nabbed in the court - after he came to show support to his accomplice who had been caught in the incident.
The suspect literally walked into handcuffs at the Athlone Magistrate's Court.
He was the third suspect caught after a robbery and hostage drama at the Shoprite store at Nyanga Junction last month, during which a security guard and one of the robbers were shot and killed.
The trio had been trying to rob a social grant paypoint at the Shoprite store.
Police say the 37-year-old man was arrested on 28 May at the Athlone Magistrate's Court while apparently attending the appearance of his accomplice.
But little did he know that alert cops were ready to arrest him at the courthouse.
The suspect appeared at the same court on 30 May.
Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana confirms the arrest, saying: “This office can confirm a 37-year-old man was arrested on 28 May, he appeared in court on 30 May."
"He will appear again on 22 June for a formal bail application."
Prosecutors are set to prove the man was part of a gang which stormed into Shoprite on 1 May.
They then kept 10 people, including cleaners and management staff, hostage for over 12 hours.
Patrick Castle, 28, a first tactical officer from TSU protection services, who was stationed at Shoprite as a security guard, was one of the first to respond.
Patrick was shot and injured during a shootout with the robbers. One of the three suspects was also wounded and taken to hospital.
This is the same suspect who was appearing in court when his accomplice was busted. Patrick passed away the next day in hospital.
A second suspect, who was hiding in the roof of the shop, died after being shot by police, effectively bringing to an end the 12-hour stand-off.
It is believed the robbers entered the supermarket through the rear entrance of the mall.